VANCOUVER BC – August 12, 2022: On Friday, Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch President Clare Jennings visited Hazelton to deliver laptops to the Upper Skeena Counselling & Legal Assistance Society, collected from CBABC’s Access to Justice (A2J) Tech Drive.
The A2J Tech Drive, which ran from April to May 2022 in collaboration with the Electronic Recycling Association, received over 180 electronic devices from law firms and individual lawyers. “The A2J Tech Drive was premised upon helping rural communities, like Hazelton, connect with the justice system that has increasingly become digital. I’m thankful for the donors’ efforts in helping the campaign’s vision turn into reality,” Clare Jennings says.
In addition to USCLAS, CBABC is donating electronics to other charities across northern BC, including Island Wellness Society in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii and Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace.
Linda Locke, QC, Managing Lawyer at Upper Skeena Counselling & Legal Assistance Society, expressed her gratitude. “USCLAS’s impact in the communities across the Northwest continues to grow. CBABC’s donations of technological tools helps our clients access courts and other resources."
Jennings also stopped by Smithers and Terrace to meet with local lawyers about proposed changes to the regulation of lawyers, including over 400 lawyers across northern British Columbia.
“The lawyers in these communities must be heard,” Clare said. “They are BC North’s greatest allies in increasing access to justice for British Columbians in this area. The work they do is immense. I could not miss the opportunity to hear from them before I step down from my role as president.”
“As the justice system continues to evolve, so do our services,” Linda Locke, QC says. “CBABC’s efforts in hearing from us and helping us is remarkable for the future of our communities’ access to justice.”
About CBABC:
The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing more than 36,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with over 7,300 members in British Columbia. CBABC members practice at the forefront of the justice system, providing services to British Columbians in every area of law.
About USCLAS:
The Upper Skeena Counselling & Legal Assistance Society (USCLAS) was created in 1977 in response to the over-representation of First Nations people in conflict with the justice system. Through cooperation with First Nations and community organizations, USCLAS strives to promote justice and understanding of the Law in the Hazelton area.
Media Contact:
Sylvie Kotyk, Communications & Marketing Manager
604.721.4548 | media@cbabc.org